Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
QA Specialist
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The QA Specialist supports pharmaceutical quality systems in line with Japanese and international regulations, GMP requirements, and Astellas procedures. Responsibilities may include reviewing documentation, managing deviations, change controls, CAPAs, audits, complaints, and quality risk assessments, while working with manufacturing, clinical, regulatory, and supply teams. Candidates are generally expected to have a degree in pharmacy, life sciences, chemistry, engineering, or a related discipline, together with experience in pharmaceutical quality assurance or GMP operations. Strong knowledge of Japanese regulations, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, clear communication, English proficiency, and the ability to work collaboratively in a regulated multinational environment are likely to be important.
Can I work in Japan?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Nurses and allied health need a Japanese licence (the exam is in Japanese) for the Medical Services visa; pharma and medtech office jobs use the degree visa instead.
Before you apply: Nurses, doctors and most allied health staff must be registered or licensed locally before they start: expect checks on your degree and licence, often an English test, and often an exam or an assessment. Ask the employer who handles it and how long it takes. Most pharma and device office jobs do not need it.
Watch for: Indonesians and Filipinos can come as EPA nurse candidates and work while studying for the national exam; there is a time limit to pass.
Official source: Immigration Services Agency: Medical Services status of residence. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in Japan
Usual for Healthcare jobs in Japan, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Registration | Japanese national licence needed; the exam is in Japanese |
|---|---|
| Relocation | Varies; expat transfers often include moving costs; the Certificate of Eligibility has no fee |
| Housing | Varies; some big firms offer company housing or an allowance, and expat packages include housing |
| Flights | Varies |
| Contract | Usually open-ended for full-time staff; dismissal needs an objectively reasonable cause (by law) |
| Leave | 10 days' paid leave after 6 months, up to 20 after 6.5 years (by law); 16 national holidays |
| Income tax | 5% to 45% national (20% from JPY 3.3m taxable) plus 10% local tax from year 2; about 15% social insurance |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About Astellas Pharmaceutical
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a Japan-based global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo. It focuses on developing and delivering innovative medicines for serious and unmet medical needs. Its research and commercial activities have included areas such as oncology, immunology, urology, neuroscience, rare diseases, and other specialty conditions. Astellas operates across Japan, North America, Europe, and other international markets, with teams working in research, clinical development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, commercial operations, and corporate functions. The company emphasizes scientific innovation, patient-focused development, product quality, ethical conduct, and collaboration across its global organization. Employment opportunities commonly require employees to combine technical expertise with strong compliance awareness and the ability to work effectively across cultures and functions.